Halloween is a fun time for children to dress up in costumes for a bit of make-believe.
Whether you are transforming your home into a haunted house or simply handing out candy to your neighborhood ghouls and goblins, a quick safety check will help ensure a happy night of haunting.
The following 6 Tips will assure Halloween home safety...
- Create a Clear Path – Make sure the path from your driveway or the sidewalk to the front door is free from obstructions or hazards so that visitors don’t stumble and injure themselves.
- Confine Your Pets – The constant excitement of young children ringing the doorbell is simply too much for many pets.
- Keep the Lights On – If you have a long driveway or walkway, turn on your regular outdoor lights so trick-or-treaters can easily see the path to the door. You will not only help avoid a liability claim, but you’ll deter burglars who are always less inclined to approach a well-lit home.
- Avoid Open Flames – While candles and luminaries set the spooky mood on Halloween, they can easily be overturned and result in homeowners’ insurance claims for fire damage. Consider light sticks and battery-powered lanterns instead.
- Jack-o-Lantern Safety – Lit Jack-o-Lantern’s may add a spooky glow to your home, but they also pose a fire hazard. Trick-or-treaters can easily knock over the lit candles lining your front walk, injuring themselves and potentially starting a fire. Avoid fire damage claims by using a battery-powered light in your pumpkin.
- Home Security – If you will be away from home during Halloween, don’t forget to set your security alarm system before you go. This is a prime time of year for mischief and burglaries.